Lumin U1 vs Lumin U1 mini + sbooster?


Has anyone done this comparison ? How close can the mini get ?
smodtactical

Question to everyone here using the Ui Mini with Booster (as I am).  Are you connecting to your DAC/preamp via USB or Dig coax?  

I use Black Cat Tron BNC to connect it to the DAC.

I also ground the mini via the RCA coaxial with an Entreq box.

Looking at the spec of the U1 and the mini on the Lumin site right now.

The only difference in the spec is the power supply and the higher PCM support of the U1.  

 

It would stand to reason that those who are saying that the added aftermarket power supply would get you damn near the performance of the U1 have a pretty solid case.  Yes, I have the U1 Mini with the Sbooster, and I'm very happy with the results when connected to my Bel Canto DAC. 

@hubbman And upgrading the DC cable for the linear power supply should close the gap significantly. I went from stock belden cables to Neotech copper and there was performance jump.

Despite what you might predict based on logical comparison of the specs, those that have actually compared the sound of the U1 Mini (now discontinued) with Sbooster to the U1 have found the latter to sound significantly better. Of course whether you'll consider the difference in performance to justify the price difference is ultimately a judgement call.